CS Forward

Yesterday, the Education Committee of the California State Senate voted unanimously (7-0) in support of AB 2097 (Berman), the bill to require that all high schools in California offer computer science courses. Currently, only 45% of high schools in California offer CS. Thank you to the Education Committee, our bill author, Assemblymember Marc Berman, and bill sponsor, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond. The bill now now heads to the Senate Appropriations.

That's a wrap! Thank you to everyone who participated in CS Forward's inaugural conference in Tennessee, organized with the support of Kira Learning and Tennessee STEM Innovation Network. During this two day conference we brought together educators, administrators, and policymakers from across the country to discuss the future of computer science education. The conference focused on creating equitable access to CS education and setting strategic goals for making computer science a graduation requirement. Participants engaged in insightful workshops and panel discussions, including several notable speakers. Their expertise and passion for equitable education inspired us all. We are thrilled to announce that this will become an annual event, continuing our mission to support educators and advocate for impactful policy changes. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the vibrant discussions. Together, we are making strides toward a future where all students have the opportunity to learn and excel in AI and computer science. If you would like to join us at next year's conference please DM us! 🌍 #CSForward #ComputerScience #AIEducation #AI

Yesterday, the Governor of Louisiana signed our graduation requirement legislation into law!! Louisiana becomes the 10th state in the nation to enact a high school graduation requirement in computer science. This is an incredible day for the students of Louisiana who will now learn the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and AI. Congratulations and many thanks to all the people who made this happen - Our highest gratitude to the bill’s author, Representative Jason Hughes, whose vision, commitment and legislative skill made this possible. And a special thanks to our partners, Code.org and Pelican State Partners, for their tenacity, advocacy and willingness to go above and beyond to earn a huge victory for the movement to ensure all students learn computer science. Onward!

Great news from Sacramento! Yesterday, the California State Assembly voted 55-0 to pass our legislation to require all high schools in the state to offer computer science courses! Right now, only 45% of high schools in the state offer computer science. We know we can do better. We’re now off to the State Senate!

Yesterday, AB 2097 (Berman) passed the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly and is now headed to the floor of the Assembly. The bill would require all high schools in California to offer computer science courses. Right now, only 45% of CA high schools do so.

Just moments ago, the Louisiana State Senate voted 38-0 in favor of the computer science high school graduation requirement. The bill now goes to the governor’s desk for signature. Congrats to the team for a job well done. Now, one more step to go!

Today, in beautiful and balmy Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) wrapped up its AI Task Force aimed at determining the safe and ethical use of AI in the classroom and leveraging the technology to aid in teaching and learning. Jagriti Agrawal and Austin Totty of Kira Learming participated in the task force and provided their expertise in AI from both a technology and educational perspective. Many states are starting to explore the use of AI in education - there are a number of bills introduced into state legislatures across the country. Kudos to LDOE for being among the leaders in this work.

Today, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Education Committee of the state Senate voted unanimously in support of the computer science graduation requirement. The bill has already passed the House 102-2 and now needs full Senate ratification. Many thanks to our bill author, Representative Jason Hughes, who continues to deftly move this legislation forward.

Yesterday, the Education Committee of the California State Assembly unanimously approved AB 2097 (Berman). There were several amendments made to the bill, one of which changed the legislation from a computer science graduation requirement bill to an all high school offer bill (requiring all HS’s to offer at least one CS course). The all-HS offer bill failed during the last legislative session so this would be an important step toward ensuring that all students learn CS. Right now, 55% of all HS’s in CA do NOT offer CS which is surprising in a technology-rich state such as CA. In fact, CA ranks 40th out of 50 in the number of schools that offer CS. There is much good work to be done in California. The bill heads next to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Today in Baton Rouge, the Louisiana House of Representatives voted 102-1 to pass the computer science high school graduation requirement. Many thanks to our amazing leader and bill sponsor, Representative Jason Hughes, for moving this important legislation forward. The next stop is the State Senate! The sea of green below are the 102 legislators who said yes to ensuring that all students have equitable access to computer science and a place in tomorrow’s workplace.